Scott Crossfield, the hotshot test pilot and aircraft designer who in 1953 became the first man to fly at twice the speed of sound, was killed in the crash of his small plane, authorities said Thursday. He was 84.

Jeff Capel was hired as Oklahoma's basketball coach Tuesday, resigning at Virginia Commonwealth to replace Kelvin Sampson and take over a program under NCAA investigation. VCU confirmed Capel's move in a statement from president Eugene Trani and athletic director Richard Sander. The Sooners scheduled an afternoon news conference on campus to introduce Capel.

Some of America's best food can be found at restaurants near the biggest airports, giving hungry travelers with extra time opportunity for a welcome break. "Great food with real local flavor is just a short cab ride away," says Tim Zagat, CEO of Zagat Survey.

One of the nation's best girls basketball players decided the matchup between USA TODAY's two top-ranked teams. Tina Charles of No. 1 Christ the King rebounded her own shot and made a short jumper at the buzzer to lift her team past its crosstown rival, No. 2 Murry Bergtraum, 65-63 Sunday.

Immigrant travelers who regularly return to their native country to celebrate, mourn, volunteer, look for spouses or conduct business offer a huge and fast-growing source of airline revenue. They also represent a market distinct from the business-travel and vacation markets.

Six teams in USA TODAY's Super 25 football rankings play for state championships this weekend. No. 8 Springdale, No. 9 St. Xavier, No. 11 Byrnes, No. 12 Hoover, No. 13 Chandler and No. 16 Don Bosco Prep all will play for titles on the gridiron.

If the era of big government is back, the proof is in the private sector. It's no secret that money has been pouring into major defense contractors. But there is a lesser-known feeding frenzy going on among small and midsize companies.

The U.S. military, acting on a tip, raided an isolated farmhouse outside the capital Wednesday and rescued an American businessman held hostage for 10 months. The kidnappers, who had kept their captive bound and gagged, escaped without a gunbattle.